The Regular Meeting of City Council was held in the Council Chamber, City Hall, 200 Craig Street, Duncan, BC at 7:45 p.m., March 24, 2003. Present: Mayor Michael Coleman; Councillors Mike Caljouw, Sharon Jackson, Phil Kent, Geoff Maxwell and Ken Newcomb. Absent With Prior Notice: Councillor Jenny Farkas. Also Present: Paul Douville, City Administrator.
	His Worship Mayor Michael Coleman opened the Council Meeting with a prayer and called for order.
Adoption of Minutes	Movd. Councillor M. Caljouw Secd. Councillor S. Jackson THAT the minutes of the Regular Meeting of City Council held on March 10, 2003 be adopted. Carried.
	Delegations:
Geoff Millar – Economic Development Commission Manager	With the use of a Power Point presentation, Geoff Millar – Economic Development Commission Manager, made a presentation to City Council. He outlined how the Economic Development Strategy was developed and completed in June of 2002. It consists of 20 broad goals including "reorganization" of economic development efforts in the Cowichan Region. The goals recommend 85 objectives or projects and outline an action plan and marketing approach.
	Mr. Millar said the factors targeted for growth are employment, tax base, physical/ capital works (infrastructure grants), assist with downtown revitalization (DNRC report entitled "Plan of Action 2002"), tourism visitation expenditure (increase length of visitor stays), education/training, entrepreneurship investment, use of local resources and attitude.
	The current ongoing projects of the Economic Development Commission are as follows: Can Do Committee Cowichan Lake Economic Adjustment Committee Tourism Cowichan Marine sector development Agri-Tourism-Circle Tour initiatives Gateway signage Business attraction (industrial/tourism/ agriculture/commercial) Regional branding and marketing Vancouver Island-Provincial-Federal Economic Development programs and initiatives Industrial development Regional cooperation plans Film, movie and video liaison Business retention Shop Cowichan (Retail promotion and development) Regional communication initiatives
	On questions from Members of Council, Mr. Millar said that representatives of local government would be invited to meet with the Economic Development Commission on a regular basis. He said the Commission meets monthly and local government officials will be provided with copies of the agendas. He also advised that they work very closely with the Cowichan Tribes and their economic development officials. Prior to leaving the meeting, Mr. Millar was thanked for his presentation and congratulated on his monthly column in the news media publication entitled "Business Examiner".
	Communications:
Annual Day of Mourning - WCB	Movd. Councillor S. Jackson Secd. Councillor P. Kent THAT the Council of the City of Duncan proclaim April 28, 2003 as “A Day of Mourning" in recognition of Canadian workers who were killed, injured or disabled on the job in the City of Duncan as requested in the March 3, 2003 letter from the Workers' Compensation Board of British Columbia. Carried.
WoodWORKS! – Build With Wood	Movd. Councillor G. Maxwell Secd. Councillor M. Caljouw THAT the letters dated March 6 and 8, 2003 from WoodWORKS! BC, regarding their programs and information, be received, the contents noted and filed. Carried.
Kiwanis Antiques Appraisal Show	Movd. Councillor P. Kent Secd. Councillor G. Maxwell THAT the Council of the City of Duncan authorize the display of the "Kiwanis Antiques Appraisal Show" banner from the banner poles adjacent to the east-side of the Trans Canada Highway and south of the Cowichan River from May 20 – June 7, 2003 as requested in the March 12, 2003 letter from the Duncan Kiwanis Club. Carried.
Requested Restoration of Auxiliary Police	Movd. Councillor P. Kent Secd. Councillor S. Jackson THAT the March 16, 2003 letter from the Auxiliary and Reserve Peace Office Association of BC, wherein they suggest that the Auxiliary Police be restored in British Columbia, be received, the contents noted and filed. Carried. Movd. Councillor K. Newcomb Secd. Councillor S. Jackson THAT the subject of RCMP Auxiliary Police be referred to the Public Safety and Emergency Services Committee for further consideration. Carried.
Lennon McGillivray – Peaceful Musical War Protest	Movd. Councillor S. Jackson Secd. Councillor M. Caljouw THAT as requested in the March 24, 2003 e-mail from Lennon McGillivray, he be authorized to stage a peaceful musical protest against the war on Iraq in the City Square between the hours of 7:00 pm and 9:00 pm on Friday, March 28, 2003 subject to: · The organizers securing a liability insurance policy with a minimum of $2,000,000 per occurrence with the City of Duncan being named as an "additional insured party". · The organizers arranging a clean-up crew so that no litter or mess is left in the area after the event. · Provision of a $300 damage deposit that will be returned to the organizers if the area is left in a clean and undamaged condition. Carried.
	The Administrator was asked to discuss with Mr. McGillivray the possibility of staging the musical protest between 7:00 pm and 8:00 pm rather than 8:00 pm to 9:00 pm since there are several residences in close proximity of the City Square. Subsequent to the meeting, Mr. McGillivray said that they would do so.
	Reports of Standing Committees
	Finance Committee For consideration were the notes of the March 17, 2003 meeting.
Liability Insurance	Movd. Councillor P. Kent Secd. Councillor G. Maxwell THAT as recommended by the City Treasurer, the 2003 liability insurance coverage remain with our current insurers for 2003 noting that the deductible is $100,000 and the premium is $31,865, which represents a 30.11% increase over our 2003 premium. Carried.
2003 Budget	Councillor Kent advised that the Public Meeting regarding the 2003 Budget and 5-Year Financial Plan is scheduled for 3 pm to 6 pm on March 31, 2003 in the Council Chambers. He encouraged members of the public, property owners and business owners to attend this session. He also advised that Council will have to consider a tax increase of 5% to 7% to take care of items such as the fire truck purchased in 2002, wage increases, the City Square debt, increased insurance premiums and various capital projects.
	Planning & Priorities Committee
	For consideration were the notes of the March 17, 2003 meeting.
Car Wash – 61/71 Trunk Road	For consideration were two letters dated March 20, 2003 from the proponent, Donald Bruce of 1438 Ellison Place, Cobble Hill, BC. In his letters, Mr. Bruce explained the technicalities of the proposed car wash and the proposed stormtech system to deal with surface storm water. Movd. Councillor M. Caljouw Secd. Councillor S. Jackson THAT the February 20, 2003 Development Permit application from Donald Bruce for the provision of a car wash facility at 61/71 Trunk Road proceed to Public Hearing subject to: The effluent from the car wash being in compliance with our Source Control Bylaw. Metered 2" water service being installed at a cost of $3,700. The sanitary sewer service being upgraded to a 6" line at a cost of $1,800. Installation of a storm water collection system to the satisfaction of City Council. The entrance and exit driveways to be constructed at the developer's cost of approximately $2,500 to $3,500. Carried.
	For consideration were the further notes of the Planning & Priorities Committee Meeting held March 18, 2003.
Liquor Licensing Policy	Movd. Councillor P. Kent Secd. Councillor M. Caljouw THAT the draft City of Duncan Liquor Licensing Policy be referred to the Advisory Planning Commission for comment. Carried.
Parking Study – 2002	Movd. Councillor P. Kent Secd. Councillor S. Jackson THAT the administration develop a plan for "15 minute zones" throughout the core with input from the RCMP traffic expert and a plan to install disabled parking zones at strategic areas throughout the City in conjunction with the Independent Living Resource Centre for review by Council. Carried.
	Budget Review Committee For consideration were the notes of the March 11, 2003 meeting.
Sanitary Sewer User Rates Increase	Movd. Councillor G. Maxwell Secd. Councillor P. Kent THAT Council authorize the processing of a bylaw amendment to increase the sanitary sewer utility user rates by 7.5% in 2003. Carried.
	General Purposes Committee For consideration were the notes of the March 17, 2003 meeting.
New CVRD Building Landscaping Plan	Movd. Councillor K. Newcomb Secd. Councillor S. Jackson THAT the landscaping plan for the new CVRD building between Ingram and Evans Streets be approved "in principle". Carried.
	Reports of Special Committees
Miscellaneous	Councillor Maxwell reported on the recent Cowichan Music Festival Highlights Concert. Representing Council, he presented the City's $200 Bursary Award to Lily Dehghanie. He said that the concert was of a very good caliber and presented exciting performances. He expressed accolades to all of the volunteers involved in the Cowichan Music Festival.
	Councillor Newcomb reported on the following items: · On March 19, he chaired a "Communities In Bloom" meeting. He said that six community organizations were represented and that a full and extensive discussion ensued regarding the possibility of becoming involved in the National "Communities In Bloom" Program. He said he would keep Council informed in this regard. · On March 21, he attended the Elected Officials Workshop on Emergency Preparedness. He advised that this was very educational and encouraged other Members of Council to participate in similar workshops.
	Mayor Coleman reported on the following items: · The Regional Hospital District has resolved to deal with 2003 budget items only not knowing the magnitude of the demands for subsequent years. · On March 13, he attended the Municipal Finance Authority Trustees Meeting and a meeting on the Softwood Lumber Communities Initiative. · On March 15, he officially participated at the reopening of the Independent Living Resource Centre in their new premises on Coronation Avenue. · On March 19, he met with Chief Harvey Alphonse and Bert Evans regarding the Wal-Mart project and later attended the Communities in Bloom meeting. · On March 21, he participated in the Anti-Racism Walk and the Cowichan Tribes Elders Feast. · On March 22, he was a guest of honor at a Roast to raise funds for the Malaspina University College Literacy Program Fund. Mayor Coleman was roasted on the occasion of his 25 years on City of Duncan Council and on the occasion of his 60^th Birthday.
	Unfinished Business
Resolution on GATS	Movd. Councillor P. Kent Secd. Councillor G. Maxwell THAT the Council of the City of Duncan fully support the January 15, 2002 resolution of the Union of BC Municipalities on the negotiations regarding the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS); AND THAT this resolution be forwarded to the Federal Government for their consideration. Carried.
Provincial Ombudsman Budget Reduction	For consideration were the following items: Letter dated March 3, 2003 from the UBCM Letter dated January 29, 2003 to the UBCM Letter dated January 20, 2003 from the Office of the Ombudsman, Province of BC Movd. Councillor P. Kent Secd. Councillor M. Caljouw THAT the subject of the Provincial Ombudsman budget reduction be referred to Committee of the Whole for consideration of sponsoring a resolution to the 2003 UBCM convention. Carried.
TCH Flower Beds – Reggie's Veggies	Movd. Councillor S. Jackson Secd. Councillor M. Caljouw THAT in a spirit of cooperation, the Council of the City of Duncan agree to resume the maintenance of the flower beds on the east-side of the Trans Canada Highway in North Cowichan (i.e. adjacent to Reggie's Veggies) subject to the Corporation of the City of Duncan being named as an "additional insured" third party on the District of North Cowichan liability insurance policy. Carried.
Duncan Paving Contract	Movd. Councillor P. Kent Secd. Councillor G. Maxwell THAT as recommended by the Public Works Superintendent, Council accept the February 6, 2003 multi-year paving contract proposal from Duncan Paving Company; AND THAT Council authorize the execution of a five (5) year contract with Duncan Paving with an option for a mutually agreed extension for an additional five (5) years. Carried.
	Bylaws:
Community Plan Bylaw No. 1762, Amendment Bylaw No. 1947, 2003 (481 Herbert St.)	Movd. Councillor G. Maxwell Secd. Councillor K. Newcomb THAT "City of Duncan Community Plan Bylaw No. 1762, Amendment Bylaw No. 1947, 2003" be read for the third time. Carried.
Zoning Bylaw No. 1540, 1988, Amendment Bylaw No. 1 No. 1948, 2003 (481 Herbert Street)	Movd. Councillor S. Jackson Secd. Councillor M. Caljouw THAT "Zoning Bylaw No. 1540, 1988, Amendment Bylaw No. 1 No. 1948, 2003" be read for the third time. Carried.
	NEW BUSINESS
UBCM Flood Hazard Management Notice	For consideration were the following items: Memo dated December 6, 2002 from the UBCM President Memo dated December 9, 2002 from the Public Works Superintendent Letter dated January 9, 2003 (received March 12, 2003) from the CVRD Emergency Program Coordinator Movd. Councillor P. Kent Secd. Councillor S. Jackson THAT the Council of the City of Duncan correspond with our MLA (Hon. Graham Bruce), the Minister of Water, Land and Air Protection, the Minister of Finance and the Premier advising of the dire need for ongoing financial assistance under the Flood Protection Assistance Fund, which is reported to be ending in 2003/2004; AND THAT Council forward a copy of the January 9, 2003 letter from the Cowichan Valley Regional District Emergency Program Coordinator to these Provincial Government Officials. Carried.
	Movd. Councillor S. Jackson Secd. Councillor K. Newcomb THAT the subject of Flood Hazard Management be referred to the Planning & Priorities Committee for further review. Carried.
2003/04 Paratransit Budget	For consideration were the following items: March 12, 2003 letter from BC Transit with two attached budgets Letter dated February 11, 2003 from North Cowichan to Volunteer Cowichan Letter dated January 24, 2003 from Volunteer Cowichan to BC Transit Letter dated March 20, 2003 from the District of North Cowichan advising that they agree with the resolution being presented to City Council. Movd. Councillor P. Kent Secd. Councillor M. Caljouw THAT Council adopt the Paratransit Flexible Funding Budget for 2003/04 attached to the March 12, 2003 letter from BC Transit with the difference between the Flexible Funding budget and the Service Reduction Budget (i.e. $1,214) being billed directly to the City of Duncan and the District of North Cowichan by Volunteer Cowichan; AND THAT the Paratransit service fares be increased by $.25 to the following rates: 1 Zone $1.75 2 Zones $2.50 3 Zones $3.50. Carried. (Note: Fare increase may eliminate the need for additional billing to the two local governments.)
Volunteer Cowichan Funding	Movd. Councillor P. Kent Secd. Councillor S. Jackson THAT the subject of Volunteer Cowichan funding reductions be referred to a General Purposes Committee Meeting; AND THAT representatives of Volunteer Cowichan be invited to attend. Carried.
60^th Birthdays	Best wishes for Happy 60^th Birthdays were extended to Mayor Michael Coleman and Councillor Ken Newcomb.
Special Council Meeting	Movd. Councillor M. Caljouw Secd. Councillor G. Maxwell THAT the Council of the City of Duncan resolve into Special Meeting to discuss legal issues; AND THAT persons other than Council Members and the City Administrator be excluded from this meeting (Section 242.3 – Local Government Act). Carried.
	At 9:00 pm, City Council resolved in to Special Meeting.
Adjournment	At 9:30 pm, the following Motion was Put: Movd. Councillor G. Maxwell Secd. Councillor S. Jackson THAT the Special Meeting of City Council rise; AND THAT this meeting of City Council do now adjourn. Carried.
	Michael Coleman Mayor Paul Douville City Administrator